Adult Education: January 2009

Starting a New Year

By Lorene Hanley Duquin

If you listen to news reports, the state of the world looks pretty grim. Our country is still at war. The economy is in a deep recession. People are losing their homes and their jobs. You may be suffering in some way from the current state of affairs. Or you might know someone who is suffering.

How do you respond to these difficulties as a person of faith?

If you listen to Jesus, you will hear him saying, “In the world you will have troubles, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

You will also hear St. Paul assure you that “All things work together for good for those who love God” (Rom 8:28).

So what does that mean?

Maybe we are being called to set new priorities for ourselves and our families.
Maybe we are being called to refocus our attention on the Lord.
Maybe we are being called to grow in faith.
Maybe we are being called to simply our lives.
Maybe we are being called to reach out to others who are suffering more than we are.
Maybe we are being called to recognize what is really important in our lives.
Maybe we are being called to follow more closely in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.

Jesus promises, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27)

Maybe we are being called to begin the New Year with a deeper understanding that we will never find the peace, the love, or the security that we need in the world. We will find those things only in our relationship with God.